ARC Review: Mr. Real by Carolyn Crane

 

Mr. Real

by Carolyn Crane

Code of Shadows #1

 



Everyone knows that Alix is a good time gal who just wants to have fun and doesn't take anything seriously, so when loads an occult computer programme on to laptop that materialises anything you click on in 24 hours time, she decides to do a little shopping....a nice new necklace, a new outfit and a new man! Sir Kendall, a super spy from a liquer advert is just what she needs, someone to take charge and bonk her brains out and who just happens to look like the man she has a huge crush on. Paul Reinhardt has the sudden urge to go on a road trip to Minnesota, however, when he gets there he sees the woman he loves with the character he despises: Sir Kendall, his childhood tormentor. But what has Alix unleashed? Eachday Sir Kendall seems to get stronger and more dangerous and has plans for Paul and Alix....

WARNING!! This book gives you FALSE expectations! I have been clicking and clicking on pictures of Captain Mal Reynolds aka the sexy Nathan Fillion, and what do I have NOTHING but a slighty achy index finger, a bucket load of horny and a bumper pack of condoms (safe sex people!)....


*clicks picture of Cap'n Reynolds...you never know*

But despite my ruthlessly smashed hopes of sexual bliss I loved this book! it was funny, touching, full of complex characters and an interesting storyline. It was also such a medley of genres, suspense, paranormal, romance, spy, thriller that it felt fresh and completely unique.

What Ms Crane seems to do best is create characters that you wouldn't normally expect; Alix at the beginning of the book, although likable and fun, was also a bit ditsy and used sex to reinforce her self esteem but throughout Mr Real she grew into something so much more and Sir Kendall, who was a two dimensional, cheesy super spy from an advert became interesting and dangerous, and it is sad but fascinating to watch him questioning his own existence as he realises something isn't quite right.

*clicks again and peeks out window*

As well as great characters this book also drew you in with its humour and the sweet 'n sexy romance going on between Alix and Paul. Paul was so adorable and I loved that everything that Sir Kendall thought was horrid about Alix Paul seemed to love, the way she dressed, the way she joked it really came through that everything about Alix made Paul love her more and more and brought him happiness, even if he didn't want it to.

*clicks frantically on PDF of Mal accidently knocking the condoms on the floor*

This was a great book with a winning combination of romance, fun and great storytelling, Carolyn Crane has once again come up with a quirky and strangely moving series and I can't wait to see what the next book brings.

*ARGH! Damn you Carolyn Crane *shakes first*....wait what was that noise....*

*ARC provided by author

Purchase Links: Amazon

ARC Review: The Fangover by Erin McCarthy and Kathy Love

The Fangover

by Erin McCarthy and Kathy Love

Better start off being honest.  I knew about this book, mainly because Erin McCarthy is part of the duo writing it and I happen to love her work.  Was I terribly interested in reading it, though?  Well, it was probably one of those "Oh yeah I gotta get to that someday".  Of course, I also thought this had two separate novellas.  Then I happen to win an ARC of this at RAW and my grabby hands had to read it right away.  Well, I was so pleasantly surprised!

Call me whatever you want but I didn't co-relate the fact that the book is called "The Fangover" with the movie "The Hangover".  Yeah, that joke went right over my head (see what happens when you're not paying attention?).  And that is exactly how I can possibly describe this book.

Vampire rocker kills himself (meets the sun) and his friends are throwing him a funeral "party".  They get a little tipsy and somehow they all wake up the next day without recollection of how that night ended or what happened.  All they know is that a human was turned and got married to one of the band members (vampire), the dead vamps sister is stuck in bat form, another band member is missing a fang and oh yeah, there's a passed out human priest in the bath tub.  And let's not forget about the parrot!  Now they just have to backtrack and try to figure out what went down.

So, there are actually two main couples throughout this story.  One is Stella and Wyatt.  Stella is Johnny's sister (dead vamp).  Wyatt has been a member of the band for a while and has had a crush on Stella for just about that long.  This was just the perfect opportunity for him to show her that he would be there for her and that they can be good together.  I liked the fact that their romance started before the drunken behavior night and that we are given glimpses into their past.  Even though Stella got on my nerves a bit at times, Wyatt made up for being extra sweet and caring while still being hot.

Then there's Cort and Katie.  I actually enjoyed them a bit more.  Katie used to be human and was part of the day band.  Cort has had a crush on her for a while but humans have always been off limits so he stayed away.  Now, not only did he turn her but he married her.  I thought their romance was cuter even though I also wanted to pull my hair at their lack of communication and misunderstandings.

In the end, this book was a fun parody, not meant to showcase deep emotions but to make you laugh and it definitely achieved that in my opinion.  A little bit of comic relief while throwing in some sexy vamps who are just not all there.

Purchase Links: Amazon

ARC review: Rescue My Heart by Jill Shalvis

Rescue My Heart

(Animal Magnetism #3)

by Jill Shalvis

Adam Connelly returns from a successful S&R where he is finally able to get some much needed rest. However, upon his return, Adam is bombarded by all the things that need to be done at the animal shelter that he and his brothers own. Exhausted from lack of sleep and in a bad mood because of injury he acquired, Adam pushes everyone who wants to help him back, telling others not to bother with him. He can handle himself. But when an unexpected visitor comes back from his past, Adam is caught off guard.

Holly, his teenage love, is in his room, asking for a very big favor. Her father has gone missing in the Bitterroot Mountains and there is only one person able to track him down. Unfortunately for Holly, Adam Connelly is the last person she wants to see again. Laying eyes on him could very well break her heart...again.

Jill Shalvis is having a stellar year! With her fantastic Lucky Harbor series, she is able to transfer readers into a whole new world. I used to say that her Lucky Harbor series was my favorite of her work, but with RESCUE MY HEART, she completely blew my mind. Adam is definitely my favorite of the Animal Magnetism series so far.

The thing about Adam is that he is content with himself. He never lets his true emotions show. He experiences some panic attacks that are normal for someone who has spent time in Afghanistan. Small triggers can set him off, causing him to spiral out uncontrollably. Yet he never asks for help. I loved his stoicism because Holly does a fantastic job of slowly chipping away at that icy exterior, revealing a man worthy of love underneath. Adam Connelly is hands down my favorite hero of the series so far.

Similarly, Holly was the perfect blend of cute and feisty. I loved her attitude towards life and that even though Adam pushed her away, she never let that deter her from what she truly wanted. Shalvis has a true talent of creating dialogue between characters that is sure to make you laugh out loud and warm your hearts. It takes a talented author to set a book in the icy mountains and still have warmth and love infused throughout. RESCUE MY HEART is filled to the brim with laughter and good times. It’s the perfect feel-good read!

But despite the humor and the lightness of the book, Shalvis is still able to bring substance to her books. She addresses real-life conditions that can burden a person’s life, yet she looks at it positively, bringing hope for the readers and the characters. With her words, Jill Shalvis is able to bring forth happiness with all of her books. RESCUE MY HEART is no exception. I love it!

*ARC provided by publisher

ARC Review: Fourth Grave Beneath My Feet by Darynda Jones

Fourth Grave Beneath My Feet

by Darynda Jones

(Charley Davidson # 4)

Darynda is an AMAZING WRITER and I have fallen in love with her and the books she writes…In a non-stalker way of course. Each book in this series has left my jaw on the floor or left me in fetal position, crying that the book had ended. So you can just imagine how I felt when I got my paws on this ARC. As I predicted, Darynda did not disappoint.

Charley, our super funny grim reaper, did not leave book 3 unscathed. Even with her powers, she is not beyond feelings of humanity. The near death experience, battling with demons, almost loosing people she cares about and then betrayed by family has left Charley with serious issues. I don’t blame her.

Darynda took a different route with Charley's story. Yes, she is still spunky, funny, smart mouth. But she is not our usual herione who keeps getting up even after a good emotional or physical beat down. She is suffering from depression and PTSD. It’s weird seeing Charley at a vulnerable state. She avoided everyone. She had flashbacks of her attack, inability to cope or live her daily routine and she shopped QVC until she was broke. It was hilarious that Darynda incorporated an “intervention” on Charley. Uncle Bob, Cookie and her sister Gemma decided to snap her out of her depression by getting together and bribing her with pastries. Okay, it was a serious moment but it was funny on how they went about it.

Luckily, there was a job offer for Charley that she could not refuse. Well, she was running out of money, so she had to take it. Harper is being terrorized and she needed help to solve the mystery. It was somewhat ironic that what got her out of her house, is a client also suffering from PTSD. She automatically connected with Harper as they share a similar childhood experience. I think Darynda did an awesome job making readers experience what Charley and Harper went through. The feelings were realistic, believable and heartbreaking to see.

Of course, Reyes was there too. Initially, he had stayed away from Charley per her request but he was never far. He still kept a close watch on our Reaper. I love that he tried to give her space and waited until she was ready. If you remember, our Son of Satan is out of prison and living his life…in the flesh. Oh yes, Reyes in human form is just as sexy as he was corporeal. Wait until you see what his current occupation is (hawtness) and whom he’s shackin' up with. I swear Reyes can make my blood boil in every way. But no worries, it was only for convenience. We all know his heart belongs to ME *coughs* I mean Charley. He will always continue to protect her. Between their disagreements, it’s still very clear that they're in love with each other.

Talk about love, not only that I have fallen for Darynda, Charley and Reyes…I also have fallen for Garrett and Donavan. Though they made their appearance, I wish there was more. Donavan, Charley's biker friend has been hanging with the wrong crowd and he has gotten himself in some deep kadoodeee. And well, you know Charley, she will always try to save the day. I keep thinking of where Darynda is going with his character because it’s obvious that there is something going on between him and Charley. We all know that relationship is not going anywhere but I feel like there’s more there. Garrett on the other hand, had also made his cameo but very, very brief. I was a bit disappointed because I felt connected with his character and I wanted more of him.. Like Charley, he went through hell (literally) and he’s not quite recovered from it. He’s been out and about but has been doing a lot of research as far as after life goes. I am predicting something bad is brewing in that pretty head of his.

Of course, this book will not be complete without Cookie, Amber, Ubie, Gemma, Elena, and Angel. Oh and Charley has a new friend Margaret. She is silent for the most part but very dangerous. It was of course great to see Artemis. She really took on the role of Charley’s Guardian and did a great job doing it. Charley’s dad was around as well. We already know that they have been having issues. By the end of this book, there will be clarity to his past actions. We will have to see where that goes but I’m hoping for the best.

Overall, Fourth Grave Beneath My Feet is another GREAT addition to this series. I don’t think Darynda can do wrong when it comes to her writing. She is a superb writer with a phenomenal imagination. As always, I am yet again in the mercy of this author, waiting for the next Charley installment.

*ARC provided by publisher

ARC Review: My Fair Dork by Daisy Harris

My Fair Dork

by Daisy Harris

(Men of Holsum College # 8)

You know... I could sit here and talk about how this is a story about one misunderstood kid going into college.  A little shy, a little timid, a little inhibited about his preferences and his body.  What he perceived as limitations.  And it's the story about that same gangly kid getting with the man of his fantasies, the jock and handsome kid in his dorm.  Yeah, I could go on about that type of relationship for a while because who doesn't want to see the geeky geek get with the jocky stud?

But what I really need to tell you about is the star of the show...  Let met see if I can pick a quote to describe what I'm talking about:

"Owen opened his lips wide and tried to fit them over Harold's head.  It didn't really fit.  Owen could get the head in his mouth but not with enough room to do anything fun with it."

Ahhhh yes, the star of the show and of this book was Harold's monster cock.  There I said it. Damn!  That thing was hanging around and laying heavy and alert throughout this whole book.  It really did play a major role and I give both kuddos to Owen for taking it and Harold for learning to love it.  ;)

OK so back to the story.  Other than the magic monster penis on the gangly dorky kid, this story was very sweet at its core.  Harold already knew who he was but Owen, even, though he had some m/m experiences in his past, was not aware he was "gay".  But their attraction is immediate.  And they don't fight it.  Well except for Harold fighting nature and trying to charm that snake between his legs into submission at times.

This book was fun....

"Maybe his dick took up all the energy he ate., like a rogue parasite in a science fiction movie.  It absorbed all the calories he took in and was slowly starving him to death."

"Maybe his cock has joined forces with his tongue, and the two of them were plotting to take over Harold's body.  Growing larger and larger, until one could touch the other."

But it was also very sweet and by the end of this short story I could feel the connection between the two.  Probably one of the best couples in the MOHC series by Ms Harris.  Can't wait to keep reading!

*ARC provided by author

Review: Supernova by C.L. Parker

Supernova

by C.L. Parker

(Supernova Saga # 1)

She was determined that, together, they would find a way to use her gift to cure his curse.

Such an amazing story. This is my first book from C.L.Parker and I can say this, it will not be my last.  Where should I start? From the very beginning I was pulled into this fascinating world of ghosts, witches and gay best friends lol. The chemistry between the main characters was HOT. Dominic Grayson you sexy fictional character you!! Ahhh  I love how protective he was with Kerrigan, even from the very beginning! Love that C.L put some J.R Ward references in the book!!!

Kerrigan Cruz comes from a bloodline with the special ability to save peoples free will. Not knowing that she has these gifts, it takes the death of her grandmother for her to see that she is indeed special and very valuable. Dominic Grayson (sexy sexy man who I want to ravish) has a dark past and a dark secret, but with the help of Kerrigans grandmother he's able to straighten his life out. Right before she dies, Kerrigans Grans ask Dominic to watch over and protect Kerrigan. But will he be able to that having some many secrets?

The secondary characters had me rolling on the floor. Gabe OMG how I love this character. I wish he was my best friend because then there'll be no reason to be sad lol. I also love how Dom says "Querida" ooooo shivers down my spine! AN AMAZING STORY! I would recommend this series to anyone looking for a good laugh with a cute/sexy love story! Now on to book two!

Favorite Quotes:

“Back off, Dom-Dom,” Gabe warned. “You’ve been monopolizing every second of every day lately. I never get to spend any time with my Kerr Bear. If you try to take her away from me before I get bored with her, or meet some hot surfer boy, I swear I will climb up one side of you and down the other like a spider monkey jacked up on Mountain Dew.

So, you just carry your tight little ass back on over there with Hotty McHotterson and Spanky McSpank-me-some, then all three of you can strip your shirts off, and we’ll sit over here and enjoy the view. And so help me God, Dominic,” he took a breath. “If even one of these skanks so much as tries to lay a hand on any of you, they will get their weave snatched out their head. So, try to keep the flexing to a minimum, m’kay? And would it kill you to bend over every now and then? We’d like to check out your ass-sets.”

“Get off your fat ass, and go get the boy.” He shoved her off the couch with his foot, and then he started mumbling under his breath. “I swear to Oprah! Hetero bitches sit around moping all day, expecting Prince Charming to come to them, instead of taking some initiative and going after what they want. I am so glad that I’m gay and don’t have to put up with you timid little skanks.”

“Yeah, that would’ve gone over really well,” he said sarcastically. He changed his tone of voice to sound cheerful. “Hi, I’m Dominic Grayson. I’m living with your grandmother because she’s protecting me from this evil bitch who wants to steal my soul so that my dead father can take over my body. Yeah, I know…kind of sounds like Invasion of the Body Snatchers, but really, it’s not the same thing. Said evil bitch tried it once, but in the end, all she managed to do was turn me into half a man, you know…’cause I’m a ghost at night and all. So, if you hear creepy noises in the house, don’t pay any attention to it. It’s just me, gettin’ my spectral spook on.”

*Review copy provided by author

Purchase Links: Amazon